If the system is getting in the way of that or if the caseworker cannot use the system or if the caseworker is working around the system, we have a problem.

That's why today's hearing will focus on ways that this subcommittee can target resources towards new initiatives.

Okay. So instantly we know that we have a problem, right? I know I'm repeating what has been said, but to me this is a real problem.

Okay. We do have a problem or we don't have a problem.

Yes. Well, it makes it a lot easier for us if we do not have to have all the money in 1 year, I can tell you that.

All I was saying, and it is a minor point, all I am saying is, the initiation to release a child to be eligible for adoption is a different thing from the filing of the adoption procedure.

Why did you not file it?

And let me just say, as a former prosecutor and also someone who, as lieutenant governor of the State of Ohio, one of my responsibilities was to oversee our prison system, that the special population worries me more than the other…

How many more months and years can we ask these children and teens to wait until they have a safe and loving home?

If the Administration does not come forward next year with this in their budget, it will not happen.

I think it should be as warm and as inviting and as unintimidating and as empowering to the families that enter it as possible.

Let me ask what your plans are to ensure these children can be offered up for adoption in a timely manner.

I am not satisfied with the answer.

I draw the line when the system came into effect.

What I am hearing you tell me is, we have a new system. It is a Cadillac system.

How about if the child had more--how about more basic things? How about more significant--not procedural things, but how about basic facts about the child?

46 percent of foster children have current case plans. Could that be right?

But for you to come in front of this committee, or it is not just this committee, but in front of the public, in a public meeting or anyplace, and not be able to answer that basic question is a real problem.